Image (source: DALL·E 2 from OpenAI). Adventure travellers using AI apps on their journeys to off-the-beaten tracks. They showcase the integration of technology with exploration in rugged and scenic landscapes.
AI has redefined the travel experience, from planning to exploration. Using AI is a big leap forward for travellers, especially for they who want to go on journeys to off-the beaten tracks. There is saying of the Vikings from the Havamal or Book of Viking Wisdom, the Icelandic Sagas:
Our most important baggage on our journeys is wisdom!
This is something that applies today as well. Then I think of how useful AI apps can be on journeys. The ease of carrying an AI apps around in your pocket is now provided by several brands.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become an integral part of our world. AI-powered travel apps are transforming the way we explore the world, providing personalized recommendations, optimizing travel itineraries, and empower achieving unique travel adventures.
How is artificial intelligence changing the travel industry
Hotels, airlines, travel agents and other providers have now taken the advantage on AI-powered tools to optimize their operations, maximize profits, and boost the user experience. One way they use it, is to predict customers demand more accurately. Be more competetive and selling more. AI conversion rate optimization to analyze customer data, predict behavior, and optimize the booking experience to increase the likelihood of conversion. Unlike traditional CRO methods, AI enables real-time data processing and decision-making, allowing businesses to adapt quickly to customer needs and market trends. Also transforming potential leads into loyal customers. Predictive analytics use AI to forecast future customer behaviors based on historical data. This enables businesses to anticipate needs, tailor marketing efforts, and create personalized shopping experiences that are more likely to result in conversion. By understanding customer intentions, companies can strategically position products and services, maximizing the impact of their marketing efforts.
This demands the ability to identify and assess the possibilities for AI in their organisation and build a business case for its implementation. They need a strong conceptual understanding of the technologies behind AI such as machine learning, deep learning, neural networks, and algorithms. And not forget AI and its social and ethical implications.
It`s already a huge number of AI app for travellers. It`s a big challenge to find and understand the benefits of the apps. So far, my experience has been limited with using AI apps, but I found it interesting to take a short dive into the opportunities. This article is not meant as a review. My is intention is to give examples of apps and benefits that could be useful for travel adventurers. The future will tell which apps will be most valuable. And be aware that my article is just a small part of picture of how AI is transforming the travel industry.
AI in travel industry enables a traveller to plan a personalized trip. A smart AI-powered application can help travellers to select what suits them best. These applications are used by travel providers to help customize journey experience for travellers.
The rise of personal digital assistants, or "agents," (assistants) and how tourism organizations and travellers are using them. AI assistants and Intelligent chatbots have now taken the place of travel agents allowing travellers to book flights and accommodations and hire vehicles online. These chatbots are deployed in social media sites like Facebook Messenger, Skype, WhatsApp, and Viber to offer users a more personalized booking experience.
An example of use of AI on websites: Cludo is an intelligent cloud-based site search and analytics solution. Cludo empowers web and marketing teams to optimize the internal search solution of their organization's website, and provides valuable search and user analytics to shape the content of their clients website.
Which AI apps can travellers use and benefits
Using the right travel apps can help travellers to save both time and money, also making the journey more safe, smoothly, less stressful and enjoyable. Many of these apps also provide local recommendations and hidden gems tourists don't often get to see. Some of them are also free.
For adventure travellers, here are some examples of apps that could be useful for planning, navigating etc., and for achieving unique adventures:
Planning, booking, packing
Google’s new travel AI tools want to plan customer trips:
Google has added several new tools meant to help travellers plan trips and explore destinations. Most notably, they include the ability for Google Search to create itineraries based on prompts from users, as well as enhanced information in Maps about certain cities and places to visit. Users can prompt Search for an itinerary for a certain destination, and it responds with flight and hotel options, as well as suggestions for attractions and dining. Any links that Google provides bring the users to travel company websites, where they can complete the bookings. To create the itineraries, according to Google, AI draws on information from across the web, as well as reviews and photos that users post about businesses.
Nowy: is an AI Visual trip planner app that creates personalized itineraries, visual trip plans and detailed travel guides based on your personal preferences and interests all-in-one place.
iplan.ai: with this app you can plan and manage a trip in one place. Organize your day by adding your favorite places to visit, managing routes, or creating your own minute-based itinerary.
AI Trip Planner: a personal trip planner and travel curator, creating custom itineraries tailored to travellers interests and budget.
Lonely Planet: AI-powered Travel Guide by Guide is an AI-powered trip planner that transforms the way you plan your travels. Leveraging AI technology and data from Lonely Planet, Guide offers a seamless, efficient, and collaborative approach to creating the perfect travel itinerary.
Expedia: uses AI for some customer service features and to help property owners describe their homes and hotels. The company hopes in the future that AI will help it recommend travel destinations to customers based on previous trips and bring more direct traffic to its site.
Navigation and mapping
AllTrails: comprehensive database of hiking, biking, and running trails. Includes user reviews, photos, and GPS navigation.
Gaia GPS: detailed topographic maps for hiking, hunting, camping, and off-roading. Allows offline map downloads and route planning.
Komoot: route planner for cycling, hiking, and mountain biking. Provides turn-by-turn voice navigation and offline maps.
MapMyHike: tracks and maps hiking routes with stats and elevation data. Includes social features to share hikes and discover new trails.
Safety and emergency
Cairn: AI sends location updates to emergency contacts. Maps cell coverage areas and tracks hiking routes for safety.
Sitata: AI provides real-time safety alerts and travel advisories. Suggests health precautions and emergency information based on location.
PeakVisor: AI identifies mountain peaks and provides detailed information. Includes 3D maps and offline capabilities for remote areas.
Mountain Project: AI suggests climbing routes based on skill level and location. Provides user-generated reviews and route descriptions.
Wildlife and nature identification
AI Image Recognition: identifying plants, animals, and geological features, enhancing the educational aspect of travel.
Sound Recognition: recognizing animal calls and sounds, aiding in wildlife spotting.
Cultural insights and learning
Historical Information: providing historical and cultural context about sites and landmarks.
Perhaps you should try some of these for your next journey?
Using AI apps, the wildest and most remote corners of the world can be reached, safely, and enriching. These also deepen travellers understanding of the world. Embrace the power of AI and embark on an off-the-beaten-track adventure like never before!
Stein Morten Lund, May 2024
Additional information
Note: This article is written with assistance from ChatGTP.
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